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In low-voltage grids with a wide spread of domestic and/or small commercial consumers, mostly single-phase, problems can appear due to unbalanced power consumption between the different phases. These problems are mainly caused due to voltage unbalances between phases and the increase in distribution losses. This phenomenon occurs more frequently at the end of highly radial grids and can be stressed by the installation of renewable generators next to the consumers. Amongst the various techniques that have been proposed to solve this problem, this article explores the use of a D-STATCOM, presenting and testing a new method for the optimal location of this type of D-FACT. The developed method starts from a detailed analysis of the existing voltage unbalances in a distribution network and identifies the optimal location of the D-STATCOM (i.e., the one that reduces these unbalances while reducing energy losses). The developed method has been successfully tested for one year at four real European locations with different characteristics and different kinds of users.

This review article is mainly oriented to the control and applications of modular multilevel converters (MMC). The main topologies of the switching modules are presented, for normal operation and for the elimination of DC faults. Methods to keep the capacitor voltage balanced are included. The voltage and current modulators, that are the most internal loops of control, are detailed. Voltage control and current control schemes are included which regulate DC link voltage and reactive power. The cases of unbalanced and distorted networks are analyzed, and schemes are proposed so that MMC contribute to improve the quality of the grid in these situations. The main applications in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission along with other medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) applications are included. Finally, the application to offshore wind farms is specifically analyzed.

Distribution static compensators (D-STATCOMs) can enhance the technical performance of the power distribution network by providing rapid and continuous reactive power support to the connected bus. Accurate modeling and efficient utilization of D-STATCOMs can maximize their utility. In this regard, this article offers a novel current-injection-based D-STATCOM model under the power control mode of operation for the reactive power compensation of the power distribution network. The versatility of the proposed D-STATCOM model is demonstrated by combining it with two of the most established distribution load flow techniques, viz., the forward–backward sweep load flow and the BIBC–BCBV-matrix-based direct load flow. Further, the allocation of the proposed D-STATCOM model is carried out under a multiobjective mathematical formulation consisting of various technical and economic indices such as the active power loss reduction index, voltage variation minimization index, voltage stability improvement index and annual expenditure index. A novel parameter-free metaheuristic algorithm, namely a student-psychology-based optimization algorithm, is proposed to determine the optimal assignment of the different number of D-STATCOM units under the multiobjective framework. The proposed allocation scheme is implemented on a standard 33-bus test system and on a practical 51-bus rural distribution feeder. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed D-STATCOM model can be efficiently integrated into the distribution load flow algorithms. The student-psychology-based optimization algorithm is found to be robust and efficient in solving the optimal allocation of D-STATCOMs as it yields minimum power loss compared to other established approaches for 33-bus PDNs. Further, the economic analysis carried out in this work can guide network operators in deciding on the number of D-STATCOMs to be augmented depending on the investment costs and the resulting savings.

In a quest to solve the multi-objective optimal planning problem using a simple parameter-free metaheuristic algorithm, this paper establishes the recently proposed student psychology-based optimization (SPBO) algorithm as the most promising one, comparing it with the other two popular nonparametric metaheuristic optimization algorithms, i.e., the symbiotic organisms search (SOS) and Harris hawk optimization (HHO). A novel multi-objective framework (with suitable weights) is proposed with a real power loss minimization index, bus voltage variation minimization index, system voltage stability maximization index, and system annual cost minimization index to cover various technical, economic, and environmental aspects. The performances of these three algorithms are compared extensively for simultaneous allocation of multitype distributed generations (DGs) and D-STACOM in 33-bus and 118-bus test systems considering eight different cases. The detailed analysis also includes the statistical analysis of the results obtained using the three algorithms applied to the two test distribution systems.

This paper proposes a quasi-dynamic Volt–Var control strategy for radial distribution networks based on the optimal sizing of a distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) using a genetic algorithm (GA). The objective is to enhance voltage regulation and reduce technical energy losses under variable loading conditions while preserving nonlinear AC power flow fidelity. The IEEE 33-bus test system was modeled in DIgSILENT PowerFactory (v2021), and the D-STATCOM installation bus was selected based on a rigorous literature-supported placement criterion derived from optimization-based studies. Three representative demand scenarios—minimum, average, and maximum loading—were defined to approximate quasi-dynamic operation over a daily cycle. The GA was implemented in MATLAB (R2023b) to solve a normalized nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem that simultaneously minimizes total active power losses and the aggregate voltage deviation index. The optimized reactive power capacities obtained were 0.49 Mvar, 1.1933 Mvar, and 2.30 Mvar for the minimum, average, and maximum demand scenarios, respectively. These configurations achieved active power loss reductions of 27.5%, 24.602%, and 23.44% under the corresponding loading levels while improving voltage regulation at the critical bus (bus 18) and maintaining system voltages within the admissible 0.95–1.05 p.u. range. Through quasi-dynamic interpolation of operating points, the daily performance assessment showed a 24.11% reduction in total energy losses and a 38.28% decrease in the average voltage deviation. A statistical robustness analysis confirmed stable convergence behavior across independent executions. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides a computationally efficient, planning-oriented approach for reactive power compensation in distribution systems subject to demand variability.

This paper presents a study on the optimal localization and sizing of a Distribution Static Compensator (D-STATCOM) in power distribution systems using a novel Hybrid Algorithm. The objective is to enhance power quality and minimize total power losses in 33-bus and 69-bus distribution networks. The proposed Hybrid Algorithm, named Bird Swarm Operated Exploitation of Elephant Herd (BSOEEH), is tested under four different scenarios to determine its effectiveness compared to traditional optimization methods. In the 33-bus system at hour 14, the BSOEEH model achieved optimal results, surpassing established methods by significant margins: 1.06% superior to Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), 1.02% superior to Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), 1.02% superior to the GWO-WOA hybrid model, 0.13% superior to Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO), and 0.93% superior to Backtracking Search Algorithm (BSA). For the 69-bus system at hour 14, the proposed model exhibited even greater improvements, outperforming GWO by 6.16%, WOA by 87.53%, GWO-WOA by 93.72%, EHO by 6.83%, and BSA by 18.55%. These results demonstrate the BSOEEH model’s capability to optimally position and size the D-STATCOM, thereby significantly improving power quality and reducing energy losses in distribution networks. The findings suggest that the proposed Hybrid Algorithm is a robust and efficient solution for modern power distribution systems.

This study focuses on the application of the JAYA algorithm to optimize the implementation and sizing of a distribution static synchronous compensator (DSTATCOM) in distribution systems to reduce power losses and enhance voltage profiles, ensuring a total harmonic distortion of voltage (THDv) below 3% at all system nodes. The algorithm, developed and modelled in MATLAB, addresses power flow solutions and analyzes harmonic influence from implementing a DSTATCOM as reactive compensation via a non-iterative harmonic penetration analysis. Successful algorithm implementation results in a significant reduction in both active and reactive power losses in 33- and 34-node systems while maintaining a THDv below 3% at all nodes. Although imposing the THDv limit constraint reduces power loss, this compensation ensures low THDv levels in the voltage. In contrast to existing literature that focuses on power loss reduction via reactive compensation, this work addresses and controls the inclusion of harmonics in the electrical network as a consequence of such reactive compensation, marking a novel contribution to the field.

The electric power industry sector has become increasingly aware of how counterproductive voltage sag affects distribution network systems (DNS). The voltage sag backfires disastrously at the demand load side and affects equipment in DNS. To settle the voltage sag issue, this paper achieved its primary purpose to mitigate the voltage sag based on integrating a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) with the DNS using a distribution static synchronous compensator (D-STATCOM) system. Besides, this paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of D-STATCOM in DNS. In this paper, using HFC is well-designed, modeled, and simulated to mitigate the voltage sag in DNS with a positive impact on the environment and an immediate response to the issue of the injection of voltage. Furthermore, this modeling and controller are particularly suitable in terms of cost-effectiveness as well as reliability based on the adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), fuzzy logic system (FLC), and proportional–integral (P-I). The effectiveness of the MATLAB simulation is confirmed by implementing the system and carrying out a DNS connection, obtaining efficiencies over 94.5% at three-phase fault for values of injection voltage in HFC D-STATCOM using a P-I controller. Moreover, the HFC D-STATCOM using FLC proved capable of supporting the network by 97.00%. The HFC D-STATCOM based ANFIS proved capable of supporting the network by 98.00% in the DNS.

Large-scale integration of electric vehicle charging stations into the energy distribution network introduces highly variable power demands leading to additional voltage drops, increase in power losses, and quality degradation. Conventional mitigation strategies, including reactive power control only and multi-loop dq-axis-based controllers, often suffer from high computational complexity and limited flexibility for simultaneous active and reactive power control. This study presents a delay-modulated pulse width modulation control scheme for coordinated active and reactive power control in an energy distribution network with high penetration of electric vehicle charging load that are both time-varying and site-shifting in nature. The scheme uses a unified system comprising a solar photovoltaic array, battery storage system and a distribution STATCOM system. In this scheme, the control of active and reactive power is directly incorporated in the PWM pulse generation process by adding an adjustable delay parameter that controls the phase shift between the inverter current and the grid voltage. The proposed scheme is validated using a representative distribution feeder supplying the electric vehicle charging loads. The result illustrates that the feeder receiving end bus voltage drop is about 35% lower, the active power losses are about 40% lower, and the total harmonic distortion is at about 3%, which is within the IEEE 519 limit recommendations. Thus, the proposed control scheme is seen to be effective and computationally efficient, providing a scalable solution for real-time voltage regulation and power loss reduction.

This research article discusses and examines the voltage sag and power quality issues in distribution networks with D-STATCOM. Power quality issues are examined under various system conditions. Load voltage v/s current characteristics of a nonlinear load is widely used in metal processing industries i.e. ARC Furnace, which is having Non-Linearity in the Load characteristics, is developed in MATLAB environment & recorded using Scopes. The reactive power control with D-STATCOM is applied to enhance the voltage profile and thus the power quality at the load point bus. The significant improvement in voltage and THD calculated by FFT analysis are improved as per IEEE standard.